No cell-phone use in banks to become law

MANILA, Philippines—The no-cell phone policy within bank premises may have already been adopted by Philippine banks as part of their security measures but this has not been strictly enforced.

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This has prompted Bulacan Rep. Gavini Pancho to file House Bill 5033 or the “Cell Phone in Banks Prohibition Act,” which seeks to outlaw cell phone use in banks to prevent criminal activity, with corresponding fines for violators.

Pancho said his bill shall cover all banks operating in the country and apply to bank employees, customers and all persons inside a banking establishment.

“The use of cell phones, laptops, palmtops, radio transmitters and similar equipment has been exploited for illicit activities,” Pancho said in his explanatory note.

Section 5 of the bill prohibits clients from using their cell phones or similar personal communication devices inside banking premises.

Bank employees shall also be banned from using such devices “in plain view of their clients and patrons.”

There is, however, an exemption.

“Only medical doctors and emergency health care workers will be allowed use of personal communication devices within bank premises when the use of such personal communication device is related to the care of patients and other emergencies,” according to the bill.DJ Yap

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